Versatile label sheet and sheet feeding mechanism

ABSTRACT

A media sheet which can be a label sheet assembly is provided with bar code information thereon defining the layout of the labels on the backing sheet, and/or a validation symbol or mark. A sheet feeding mechanism which may be part of a label peeler has at least one sensor which reads the encoded information and/or the validation symbol, and either takes an action with respect to the sheet, does not take the action, or takes a different action with respect to the sheet depending on the encoding or symbol on the sheet. The actions can include advancing the label sheet according to the layout of labels on the sheet, dispensing labels depending on the presence of a validation code, or other actions.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/630,155filed Jul. 29, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/243,888 filed Sep. 13, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to sheet feeding mechanisms, media sheets for usetherewith, and methods by which the feeding of a sheet through themechanism can be controlled in accordance with information encoded onthe sheet and/or a validation symbol on the sheet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Labels are normally supplied as a two layer sheet, with a face stocklayer from which the labels are die cut, a layer of pressure sensitiveadhesive, and a release coated backing layer or liner, from which thelabels are dispensed. One widely used label sheet includes three columnsof 10 labels each, for address labels, but many other sizes of labelsare also available in sheet form.

In the manual removal of labels from a backing sheet; the user must tryto grip a corner of the label and then peel the label from the backingsheet. This is often frustrating and time consuming. To simplify theseparation of labels from a backing sheet, label dispensers have beenproposed, and one such dispenser is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,209,374. In this dispenser, sheets of labels are drawn over a“peeling” bar and, by abruptly changing the direction of feeding of thesheets, the labels are separated from the backing sheet and are held byone edge, with the labels extending horizontally from the backing sheetso that they may be gripped and removed by the user.

However, while the apparatus of the 5,209,374 patent is a significantimprovement over manual removal of labels, it still has certainshortcomings. Thus, for example, the liner sheets are stressed as theyare bent over the “peeling” bar, and form fairly tight curled cylindersas they exit from the label dispenser. In addition, this known dispenseris not very flexible in accommodating different types of label sheets,or variations in the use of the label dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, principal objects of the invention are to overcome theproblems outlined above, and to provide a user friendly, versatile labeldispenser and associated label sheets.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, therefore, a labeldispenser has an input tray or label sheet holding arrangement, and a“peeling” blade for partially separating the labels from the backingsheet or liner by abruptly changing the direction of feeding of thelabel sheets, while concurrently stressing the liner sheet andintroducing a curl in one direction into the liner sheets. The linersheets are then routed through a further paper path to stress them inthe opposite direction, and they are then deposited flat into an outputreceptacle or tray. Accordingly, instead of a series of waste rollsrequiring special disposal, the flat output liner sheets are compact andeasily handled.

Another feature involves the inclusion of a plurality of sensors,preferably equal to the maximum number of columns of labels on a labelsheet, so that the dispenser will not advance the label sheets until alllabels in a row of partially dispensed labels have been removed.Alternatively, sensors may be provided at the location of the lastlabels to the right and to the left, so that the dispenser senses whenboth of these end labels have been removed, and then advances the labelsheet.

As an additional feature of the invention, the label sheets arepreferably provided with a code identifying the label sheet and/orproviding coded information, including any or all of the following: (1)the size of the label, (2) the number of rows of labels, (3) the numberof columns of labels, (4) the size of any matrix or residual facestockbetween labels, and (5) the size of the top margin of the label sheet orthe distance from the leading edge of the sheet to the first label; andthe label dispenser senses this code and advances the label sheet bydistances corresponding to the sensed information. Additionalinformation such as label sheet size, may also be provided. In the eventthat no coded information is provided on the label sheet the sheets maybe fed through the label dispenser without dispensing labels. In somecases the dispenser may be programmed to operate with only 8½×11 inchsheets, or with A-4 size sheets, and advance the sheets based onoperation only with sheets of one of these sizes.

In accordance with another alternative, each label sheet may have codedinformation identifying the part number or type of label sheet which isbeing used, and the electrical circuitry of the dispenser may include a“look-up table” giving constructional details of the label sheet of thetype set forth hereinabove, to enable proper incremental feeding of thelabel sheet.

In one preferred embodiment the bar code includes (1) the height of thelabels, (2) the distance from the edge of the paper to the first label,and (3) the matrix or face stock distance between labels.

In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the invention, adispenser for labels mounted on a backing sheet or like, includes alabel sheet feeding apparatus, a peeling blade for separating the labelsfrom the backing sheet, a movable sweep bar for selectively deflectingthe backing sheet abruptly over the peeling blade in a predetermineddirection, with the labels being dispensed to extend substantiallyvertically, an input tray for holding a stack of label sheets directeddownwardly toward the sheet feeding apparatus, a decurling structure forbending the sheets in a direction opposite from the predetermineddirection, and an output tray adjacent the input tray for receiving usedsubstantially flat backing sheets.

The label dispenser may also include a reversible motor for opening andclosing the sweep bar as the motor operates in opposite directions; andthis motor may also actuate feed rollers for advancing the label sheetsthrough the dispenser in predetermined steps. A second motor may beprovided to actuate an input sheet “picker” assembly and for initialadvancing of the label sheets. The motors are preferably stepper motors,and are energized to operate in accordance with the information providedby the codes on each label sheet, and sensors included in thisdispenser.

Optical sensors may be provided to both sense the coded information onthe label sheet assemblies, and also for sensing the edges of said labelsheets, providing inputs, which with the coded information from eachsheet, controls the sweep bar actuation and the feed distances. Thesesensors may be in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs) andphototransistors; and they may operate with the LED and phototransistorson opposite sides of the labels or the sheet assemblies, or may both beon the same side, and responding to reflected light.

Additional mechanical features may include one or more of the following:

1. Over-riding or unidirectional clutches to separate mechanical actionsfor the first motor operating in the forward and reverse modes.

2. Over-center positive snap action for the sweep bar.

3. The use of one cam and cam follower for opening the sweep bar whenthe reversible motor is operating in one direction, and another cam andcam follower for closing the sweep bar when the reversible motor isoperating in the other direction. The over-riding or unidirectionalclutches may be coupled into the cam structures to implement theactuation of only one cam for each direction of rotation of thereversible motor.

4. An input sheet picker release lever and mechanism to provideincreased picker sheet feeding reliability.

5. In the event that a meaningful bar code is not read by the dispenserbar code sensors, the sheet may be continuously fed through thedispenser, and ejected from the top of the dispenser, without actuationof the sweep bar.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the label sheetsmay have coded indicia thereon which indicate the distance of feed forthe labels following sensing of the leading edge of a label or of thelabel sheet. Further in some cases label sheets may have an additionaltransverse score line or die cut near the leading edge of the label, anda corresponding additional strip of face stock, thus increasing thedistance from the leading edge of the sheet to the first label. Otherlabel sheets to be dispensed may not have this extra score line and facestock strip. Accordingly, when both types of label sheets are to besensed, one digit of the coded indicia may be employed to indicatewhether or not such score line and face stock strip are present on thelabel sheet. When the score line and extra face stock strip are present,the actuation of the sweep bar is deferred until the extra strip passesthe peeling blade.

In addition, a validation symbol or pattern may be provided at theleading edge or at the upper and lower edges of the label sheet, toconfirm that the sheet is in a configuration which is compatible withthe label dispenser. This validation symbol confirms, for examples, thatthe pattern of labels conforms to the coded indicia, and may for exampleconfirm that only one size of label is present on the label sheet.However, of course, the label dispenser could accommodate labels withmultiple sizes of labels on a single sheet, using appropriate bar codesto indicate such configurations.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from a consideration of the following detailed description andfrom the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a label dispenser illustrating theprinciples of the invention and showing one label sheet with threelabels partially dispensed from the label sheet and extending upward,substantially vertically;

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the label dispenser of FIG. 1 with the frontclosure of the apparatus being opened and with the sweep bar beingvisible;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a label sheet including three columns oflabels, and with coded information on the label sheet identifying itsconfiguration;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the label dispenser with the outerhousing and label sheet trays being removed, taken from the rear andfrom the side of the unit upon which the two motors are mounted;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the movable sweep bar which separatesthe labels from the backing sheet, and the immediately associatedmechanical construction;

FIG. 7 is a side view showing one over-center mechanism for snap actionof the sweep bar from the open position to the closed position and viceversa;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic showing of the paper path in the critical areawhere the labels are being dispensed, and where the backing sheet orliner is being decurled;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views of two cams which are involved, respectively,in the over-center action of the sweep bar when the associated drivemotor is actuated first in the forward direction and then in the reversedirection;

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are circuit diagrams of the electrical circuitry ofthe label dispenser system;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of one bar coding pattern which may be employed inthe implementation of one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 15 shows one specific code pattern for label sheets coded asindicated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative configuration of label sheet;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged diagrammatic showing of the coded indicia at bothends of the label sheet of FIG. 16; and

FIG. 18 is an enlarged diagrammatic showing of another code applicableto a label sheet of a different configuration from that of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the specification describes particular embodiments of the presentinvention, those of ordinary skill can devise variations of the presentinvention without departing from the inventive concepts.

Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the label dispenser 20 includestwo trays 22 and 24, with tray 22 holding a stack of label sheets 26with the back of the label sheet assemblies facing forward. The secondtray 24, which is mounted in front of the tray 22, receives the backingsheets or liners 26 after the labels 28 have been removed.

It may be noted that the labels 28 have been partially separated fromthe backing sheet 26, and protrude upwardly from the label dispenser sothat the user may grip the labels easily, pulling them from the backingsheet and applying them to an envelope or other location where thelabels are to be used.

Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, it is a straight on view fromthe front of the apparatus, with the front cover or panel 32 beingfolded forward to expose the inside of the dispenser unit. In theshowing of FIG. 2, two of the three labels in the top partiallydispensed row of labels have been removed, and label 34 is stillavailable for the user to remove and apply to the desired location. Alsoappearing to advantage in FIG. 2 is the sweep bar 36 which deflects thebacking sheet or liner over a “peeling” bar which will be shown anddiscussed hereinbelow. To the right in FIG. 2 are shown the control andsignal lights of the dispenser. Initially, the on/reset switch 38 isprovided, and the switch 40 is included for ejecting the label sheetassembly from the apparatus when it is desired to change the type oflabel sheet being fed, or for other similar reasons.

Three signal lights are provided, and they include the green on/offsignal light 42, the red signal light 44 indicating a paper path jam ormalfunction, and the yellow signal light 46 indicating that theparticular label sheet supplied from the input tray 22 was notrecognized by the dispenser. Under these conditions, the sweep bar isnot actuated, and the label sheet assembly is passed through thedispenser and out the top of the dispenser, without removing any labels.

Mounted on the inside of the front panel 32 are two units 48 and 50,each including a light emitting diode (LED) and a photo transistor, forreading bar code information which is included adjacent the leading edgeof each label sheet assembly. The light emitting diodes direct lighttoward the label sheet assembly, and the phototransistors are orientedto sense reflected light, thereby sensing the presence of the labelsheet, and the bar code. The coded indicia on the bar code on the labelsheets may include some or all the information mentioned hereinabove,i.e., (1) the size of the label, (2) the number of rows of labels, (3)the number of columns of labels, (4) the size of any matrix between thelabels, and (5) the size of the top margin of the label sheet or anysubset of this information. Other information, such as the sheet size,for example, may also be provided. This information is transmitted tothe microprocessor included in the dispenser, and the sheet is fedthrough the dispenser using the information provided by the bar codes,and the sensors.

In order to sense the presence of the labels 28 as identified in FIG. 1or the label 34 identified in FIG. 2, a plurality of light emittingdiodes 51 are provided, with a corresponding set of phototransistors 53also being provided to provide signals indicating the presence of thelabels 28 or 34. When the front cover 32 is closed, the phototransistors53 are positioned to sense light from the LEDs 51. As the labels arepulled out of the dispenser, the user usually pulls the labels from leftto right, or right to left, so the two end sensors 51-53 are normallyadequate. However to insure that all of the labels have been removed, itis desirable to have three pairs of sensors, and more may be provided toinsure coverage when smaller labels in more columns are to beconsidered.

It is also noted that the phototransistors could be mounted adjacent theLEDs to sense change in reflected light when the labels are present ascompared to the received illumination when labels are not present.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, a label sheet assembly26 is shown with the one row of three labels 60 being shown bent up toindicate how the labels could be manually removed from the backingsheet. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view along lines 4-4 of FIG.3. In FIG. 4 the initial edge 55 of the sheet is shown with the facestock material 56 still adhered to the liner portion 58 of the labelsheet assembly 26. The beginning of a label 60 which forms part of thesecond row of labels, is also shown in FIG. 4. As can be seen in FIG. 4,as well as in FIG. 3, the labels in successive rows abut one another andthere is no vertical space between labels. In some label sheetassemblies, however, the labels are spaced slightly apart on the facestock and there is some residual face stock known as “matrix” whichremains adhered to the backing sheet or liner 58 after the labels havebeen removed. Information relating to this intermediate matrix or thelack thereof, is provided by the bar codes 62, along with additionalinformation as mentioned elsewhere in this specification.

Referring now to FIG. 5 of the drawings, it is an isometric view fromthe rear and from the side of the dispenser where the motors arelocated. In addition, as mentioned above, the dispenser housing has beenremoved. Concerning the motors in the label dispenser, the motor 64 maybe a stepper motor which operates the “picker” construction 66 whichengages the top sheet from the stack of label sheet assemblies in theinput tray 22 and feeds it forward into the dispenser mechanism. Thestepper motor 64 also serves to rotate at least one additional shaftcarrying rollers which advance the label sheet assembly through thedispenser. The second motor 68 is only partially visible in FIG. 5. Itmay also be a stepper motor, and is reversible to control the movementof the sweep bar 36 from the open position as shown in FIG. 5 to aclosed position where the liner or backing sheet 58 (see FIG. 4) is bentover a peeling bar 70 to partially dispense the labels. The gearreduction construction indicated at reference numeral 72 serves tocouple the output from the stepper motor 68 to the various shafts whichpull the liner through the dispenser and out to the tray 24 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. The guide member 74 directs the linerthrough the apparatus and assists in the “decurling” step which ishelpful in flattening the liner and permitting easy storage of the wasteliners in the output tray 24.

Referring now to FIG. 6 of the drawings, it is an isometric view of asubassembly including the sweep bar 36 and additional feed rollers 78and 80. The sweep bar 36 has two stable positions controlled by the overcenter action mechanisms 82 and 84, one of which will be described ingreater detail hereinbelow. Generally, in FIG. 6, the sweep bar 36 isshown in the open position, ready to receive a new label sheet assembly.Its movement toward and away from the roller 78 is controlled by thecams 86 and 88 which engage the cam followers 90 and 92, respectively,with the cams being operated by the motor 68 as it is operated either inthe forward or reverse directions.

FIG. 7 shows the mechanism 82 for shifting the position of the sweep bar36 in a snap action manner controlled by the over-center mechanism 82.In FIG. 7, the shaft 93 is fixed, and the linkage 94 connects the coilspring 96 to the pivot point 98. When the cam 86 (see FIG. 6) engagesthe cam follower pin 90 and pushes it in the upward direction, thesupport 100 for the sweep bar 36 shifts position so that the entireupper end of member 100 and the linkage 94 shifts to the right as shownin FIG. 7 and the sweep bar 36 is opened or shifted away from shaft androller 78, as shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 8 of the drawings, the sweep bar 36 is shown in theclosed position. The path of the label assembly and the liner is shownboldly, with the section of the label assembly with the labels still onthe backing sheet being shown at reference number 104, with the label106 being partially separated from the liner sheet which follows alongthe path 108. Also visible in FIG. 8 is the guide member 74 which wasalso shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings.

The label sheet including the labels passes along the peeling bar 70 upto a point 112 where it is shifted abruptly to the right so that thelabels 106 are partially dispensed.

It is again noted, that at the beginning of the cycle when the label andthe backing sheet assembly is initially fed into the dispenser, theupper edge of the label sheet beyond the first label extends above thepoint 112 with the sweep bar 36 in the open position. The dispenser hasactuated the feed stepper motor by precisely the number of stepsrequired for this initial positioning. Of course, at that time, thesweep bar 36 is in the open position as noted above. Then, by a cammingaction operating on the sweep bar 36, to move it to the right, the upperedge of the label sheet assembly is bent abruptly over the corner 112 ofthe peeling bar 70 and the leading edge is gripped by the feed roller78. The feed stepper motors are then advanced to partially dispense thelabels 106 as shown in FIG. 8, and the label sheets are maintained inthis configuration until all of the labels in one row have been removedfrom their extended position as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8 of thedrawings. When the last label in a row of labels is removed, the sheetis advanced, and a new set of labels is partially dispensed as shown inFIGS. 1 and 8 of the drawings.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings, these are individualperspective views of the cams 86 and 88 which operate to open and closethe sweep bar 36, as explained hereinabove in connection with FIG. 6 ofthe drawings.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, which relate to the electrical circuitry for thelabel dispenser system will now be considered. Initially referring toFIG. 11, the microprocessor 202 is a central part of the system, and itincludes both fixed program stored information, as well as temporarystorage and data processing capabilities.

Referring momentarily to FIG. 13 of the drawings, the on/off or on/resetswitch 204 and the eject switch 206 are coupled to the connector J1,which also appears in FIG. 11 as a mating portion of the connector, justabove the microprocessor 202. In addition, the control or statussignaling lights 208, 210 and 212 of FIG. 13 are also connected to theconnector J1. In this regard the LED-208 is green, and is energizedwhenever the system is on. The yellow LED-210 comes on when the bar codeon the label sheet assembly can not be read or is missing. Energizationof the red error light emitting diode 212 indicates that there is aproblem in the label dispensing system such as a paper jam, which mustbe corrected.

Other circuits included in the main circuit diagram of FIG. 11 includethe power input circuitry 214 which provides 12 volt power input, andthe voltage regulator circuits 216 and 218.

Referring now to FIG. 12 of the drawings, this is the bar code readercircuitry. There are two bar codes on each input sheet as indicated onFIG. 3, and the two corresponding sensors in FIG. 12 are sensors 222 and224. Each of these sensors include a light emitting diode and a phototransistor pair, to detect the bar code images which are in the form ofa series of spaced dark bars. The dark bars absorb light and prevent itfrom being reflected back to the photo transistors while the white areasbetween the dark lines readily reflect light from the LED's which ispicked up by the photo transistors. Between the sensors 222, 224, andthe connector J2 are circuits for filtering the input signals and forlevel detection to confirm the existence of particular bar code signalsand separate them from slight imperfections in the paper or the like,which might otherwise produce a false signal. This circuitry isidentified by reference numeral 226 for sensor 222 and by referencenumber 228 for sensor 224. The corresponding or mating connector J2appears in the upper left hand portion of the circuit of FIG. 11.

At the upper right hand side of FIG. 11 are the connectors J5 and J6which are connected, respectively, to the motors 64 and 68 as shown inFIG. 5 of the drawings. The circuits 232 and 234 are drivers for thestepper motors, taking the relatively low level signals from themicroprocessor 202, and modifying them for energizing the stepper motors64 and 68.

In the course of the foregoing description of the mechanicalconstruction of the label dispenser and the electrical circuitryrelating thereto, the mode of operation of the system has been describedin some detail. However, for completeness, it is considered desirable toinclude in the following Program Table which sets forth the steps whichtake place in the course of the operation of the system. PROGRAM TABLEPROGRAM STEPS INVOLVING OPERATION OF DISPENSER Step 1. PLUG INTO POWERSOCKET STATUS: (a) Green light on steady. (b) Sweep bar open. (c) Labelsheet assemblies in input tray. (d) Yellow and Red signal lights off.Step 2. ACTUATE “ON-RESET” SWITCH (a) Label sheet picker actuated. (b)Sheets fed forward. (c) Front edge of sheets sensed by bar code readers48-50. (d) Bar codes read by bar code readers 48-50. (e) Label sheetsfed forward until leading edge of sheet is even with sweep bar, changingstate of sensors 51. (f) Sweep bar actuated to bend top of backing sheetover the peeling bar. (g) Label sheet advanced so that labels extendupward from dispenser (see FIG. 1). Step 3. All labels removed, so thatthe state of all sensors 51 are changed. (a) Sheet is advanced by adistance equal to the space between the top edge of successive labels,making a new row of labels available. Step 4. All labels removed, sothat the states of all sensors 51 are changed. (a) Sheet is advanced bya distance equal to the distance between the top edge of successivelabels, making a new row of labels available. Step 5. Sheet is advanced,and no change of state of sensors 51 occurs, indicating that all thelabels on the sheet have been dispensed. (a) Backing sheet iscontinuously fed forward into used liner waste tray. (b) New label sheetfed into dispenser, and process is repeated.

Other program steps include the following:

1. If the on/reset switch is actuated and there are no label sheets inthe input tray; or if there is a paper jam, the red signal light 44 willbe turned on.

2. If the front door or panel 32 is open, the red signal light 44 willflash.

3. If a sheet is fed through the dispenser, and if a meaningful bar codeis not read, the yellow light 46 will turn on. Under these conditions,the sweep bar is not actuated and the label sheet is ejected at the topof the dispenser adjacent the sweep bar.

4. If the “eject” switch 40 is depressed while there is a label sheet inthe dispenser, and exposed labels are then deleted, the green on/offlight flashes, the sweep bar is opened, and the sheet will be ejected atthe top of the dispenser adjacent the sweep bar.

5. The label sensors 51-53 identify the leading edge of labels 28, seeFIG. 1, and advance the label sheets by the proper distance to partiallydispense labels. This avoids problems which might otherwise arise byslight slippage of the sheets as they are advanced.

As mentioned above, each sheet includes bar coded information which mayinclude (1) the height of the labels, (2) the distance of the firstlabel from the edge of the label sheet assembly to the top of the firstlabel, and (3) the size of the face stock or matrix (if any) betweenlabels. In view of the desirability of having the labels fairly close tothe edge of the sheet, the bar code is divided into two bar codes, asgenerally indicated by the two bar code diagrams 402 and 404 as shown inFIG. 14 of the drawings. With each bar code space being equal to 0.040inch in height, the total height of each bar code is about 0.280 inch.

In one exemplary embodiment, the first seven bar code positions 1through 7 are employed to designate the height of the label from 0000001for 1/16 inch, to 1011010, denoting a 5 inch high label with each codeincluding seven bits. The label height codes may involve sixteenths ofan inch, and may include other desired labels widths such as ⅓ or ⅔ oran inch.

The next four bar code positions designated 8 through 11 represent thedistance from the edge of the paper to the top of the first label. Theselected distances and codes are set forth in the following Table No. I:TABLE NO. I Top Edge (Inches) Bar Code Representation ⅜ 0001 ½ 0011 ⅝0101 ¾ 0111 ⅞ 1001 1 1011 1⅛ 1101 1¼ 1111

TABLE NO. II Webbing Size (Inches) Bar Code Representation 0 100 ⅛ 101 ¼110 ⅜ 111

Bar Code Position No. 8 is shown at the far right, in Table No. I, andit may be seen that this is always a “1”, represented in the bar code bya dark line (while a “0” is represented by the absence of a line).

The final three bar code positions designated 12-14 describe the size ofthe face stock or matrix (if any) between successive labels. In TableNo. II, the bar code position No. 14 is in the far left position of eachbar code representation and is always a “1”.

Accordingly, with bar code positions 8 and 14 always a “1”, representedby a dark line, a framework is established for reading the other“meaningful” binary digits 1 through 7, and 9 through 13.

FIG. 15 represents a typical bar code pattern. Considering first, codepositions 8 through 11, as set forth at 404 in FIG. 14 and in the righthand pattern in FIG. 15, the binary pattern is “0011”, indicating, byreference to Table No. I, that there is ½ inch space from the leadingedge of the paper to the first label. Considering next, code positions12, 13 and 14, the binary code is “100” indicating, by reference toTable No. II, that there is no space between labels, but that the labelsimmediately abut one another. Note that in each case the lower bar codeposition is to the right, and the higher bar code position is to theleft.

Referring now to code positions 1 through 7, the code is “0010010” whichhas been assigned to represent labels which are one inch in height.

It may be noted again that with code positions 8 and 14 always a binary“1”, represented by a line, a framework is established for reading theother 12 binary code positions. In addition, either the edge of thelabel sheet assembly, or the dark line in code position 8 or 14 may beemployed to locate the position of the leading edge of the label sheetsin the label dispenser, for accurate advancing of the sheet by thestepper motors.

It is further noted that the two sets of bar codes as shown in FIG. 15are preferably spaced fairly close to one another so that bar codepositions 1-7 may be accurately read, using bar code positions 8 and 14to establish a “framework” for reading both of the two bar codes.

It is also noted that the bar codes may be provided on two ends of thelabel sheet assemblies, as shown at 62 and 62′ in FIG. 3, if the labelsheets are to be fed in either direction. In this case, of course, theleft to right positions of the two bar codes are reversed, so that thesame signals are read by the readers, with the label sheets being fedwith either end leading.

Referring now to FIG. 16 of the drawings, it represents a label sheetwith labels 502 mounted thereon, in the usual manner with pressuresensitive adhesive between the face stock, which is die cut to form thelabels, and a release coated liner sheet (not shown in FIG. 16). Thelabels 502 have die cuts around their periphery, including die cuts 504parallel to the upper edge of the label sheet. In addition, the facestock has additional die cuts 506 extending across the label sheetbetween the die cuts 504 and the upper edge of the label sheet. Thisadditional die cut 506 provides additional flexibility to the leadingedge of the label sheet for easier and more reliable feeding throughcertain types of high speed printers.

At the upper edge of the label sheet 500 is a bar code 508; and avalidation symbol or pattern 510 is also provided in this area of thelabel sheet.

Regarding the validation symbol or pattern 510, it is scanned byradiation from one of the light source assemblies 48, 50 of FIG. 2 andcompared with a known corresponding pattern. If a match is found, thelabel dispensing action is enabled; but in the absence of a match thelabel sheet is merely dispensed upward in its entirety withoutseparation of the labels from the sheet. One preferred scanning assemblyis available as a “SELFOC®” assembly available from NSG America, Inc. at19,200 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 400, Irvine, Calif. 92715.

Concerning the bar code 508, it represents a binary code including eightbinary digits, or bits, as represented in FIG. 17 of the drawings. Thebinary code includes 7 digits, each represented by a bar which is 0.040inch in height and about 7/16 of an inch long. The bar code layout isshown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Position No. 1 is always present as a darkline 0.040 inch wide, to provide a framework for sensing the remainingsix digits. Position No. 7 is employed to distinguish label sheets whichhave the extra die cut 506 and the corresponding additional verticaldistance before the labels start, as a result of the presence of strip514. When the bit No. 7 is not present, this absence indicates thatthere is no additional die cut 506 or strip 514.

The remaining five digits, in bit positions 2 through 6, indicate thedesired additional feed of the sheets so that labels will properlyextend upward from the label dispenser, but be held in position byminimal overlapping engagement of each label with the liner sheet.

Referring once more to the seventh bit position relating to theadditional die cut 506 and face stock strip 514, this information isemployed in the control of the sweep bar 36 as shown in FIG. 8, forexample. When the bar code indicates that the additional die cut 506 andstrip 514 are present, the sweep bar is actuated at a later point in thesheet feed cycle, than when there is no additional die cut and strippresent. In this regard, it may be noted that, if the sweep bar wereactuated prematurely, then the strip 514 would be dispersed at thepeeling bar, instead of permitting this strip 514 to remain secured tothe liner sheet. By deferring the sweep bar actuation, the sweep barengages strip 514 and only the labels are dispensed at the peeling bar.

In Table No. 1 set forth below, the step distance in inches ofadditional advancing of the label sheets, is set forth. Table No. 1 setsforth the binary codes for label sheets with “standard” labelarrangements, without the “extra” strip 514; and the codes for labelsheets with the “extra” strip 514 are substantially the same but with afinal “1” instead of a “0” in the last bit position.

In the implementation of the dispenser action, the sensed binary codesare transmitted to the microprocessor 202 (see FIG. 11), and the labelsheet feed motor and the movement of the sweep bar are controlled inaccordance with the received binary code signals. In this regard, it maybe noted that successive binary numbers may or may not conform to thesame increments of stepping distance. In Table 1, for example, relativeto some of the smaller label sizes, the increment between successivebinary numbers is the same, while for larger size labels, largerincrements of stepping distance are defined by successive binarynumbers.

It is further noted, relative to FIG. 16 of the drawings, that the barcode 508 and the validation symbol or pattern 510, may also be printedat the other end of the label sheet 500, as shown at 508′ and 510′ inFIG. 16. Similarly the extra die cut 506 and strip 514 are found at theother end of the label sheet, at reference numerals 506′ and 514′.

Regarding the validation symbol or pattern 510 or 510′; it is scanned asthe label sheet is initially advanced past the sensors 48 or 50, and thesymbol or pattern is compared with matching information stored in thememory associated with microprocessor 202 or FIG. 11 of the drawings. Ifa match is found, the label dispensing action goes forward. However, ifno match is found, the sweep bar is not actuated, and the label sheetassembly is dispensed upward from the label sheet dispenser.

In closing, it is to be understood that the foregoing detaileddescription relates to specific illustrative embodiments of theinvention; and that various changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, byway of example and not of limitation, the machine readable coding may bein the form of a magnetic code or reflecting surface on the paper ratherthan the bar codes as disclosed. In addition, the label sheet layout maybe defined by other information, such as the space between the initialedge of successive labels; and label sheets of varying lengths may bedefined in the bar codes. The mechanical construction and reverse motorcoupling could be implemented by equivalent mechanical mechanisms. It isalso noted that the dispenser may operate to sense the presence orabsence of labels at the instant after the sheet has been advanced,thereby determining whether or not the last row of labels has beendispensed. Using this information, if all of the labels have beendispensed, the dispenser output feed rollers are operated to route thebacking sheet to the output tray 24. Also, 14 inch label sheetassemblies may be handled as well as 11 inch sheets, without explicitcoded information on the sheets indicating sheet size or the number oflabel rows being provided. Regarding coded information, it may appearonly on one end of the label sheets instead of on both ends, and thiscoded end of the label sheet assembly would then be the leading edge ofthe label sheet assembly. In addition, the coded information may includeother information about the construction of the label sheet assembliessuch as the quality of the assemblies, and other factors to insure thatthe sheet assemblies are compatible with and will not jam the dispenser.Concerning the cam and cam follower mechanism for operating the sweepbar, other mechanical mechanisms such as a crank and rocker, or otherGrashof type mechanisms may be employed. Accordingly, the presentinvention is not limited to the precise parameters described in detailedhereinabove.

1. A machine that detects on a label sheet being fed through it thepresence or absence of a validation code on the label sheet, and thentakes either a first action with respect to labels on the sheet or doesnot take said first action, depending on whether the validation code ispresent.
 2. A machine as defined in claim 1, wherein said machine has amicroprocessor and memory, with information stored in the memory, saidmachine having electronic circuitry to compare information detected onsaid label sheet with information stored in said memory.
 3. A machine asdefined in claim 1, wherein said first action comprises separating alabel from the sheet.
 4. A method for taking an action, the methodutilizing a label sheet and a machine into which the label sheet can befed, the machine being adapted to detect on a label sheet being fedthrough the machine the presence or absence of a particular validationcode on the label sheet, and then taking either a first action withrespect to labels on the sheet or not taking the first action, dependingon whether the particular validation code is present on the label sheet,the machine having memory, the method comprising the steps of: feeding alabel sheet into a machine; detecting whether there is a validation codeon the label sheet; and taking an action if: a) a validation code isdetected on the label sheet, and b) the validation code that is detectedon the label sheet matches a validation code stored in memory on themachine.
 5. A method as defined in claim 4, wherein the action comprisesseparating a label from the sheet.
 6. A media feed mechanism comprising:a motor and at least one feed roller operably connected to the motor forfeeding a sheet having a plurality of labels removably affixed thereon;a sensor and a processor for detecting a symbol on the sheet, and forcausing the mechanism to take an action affecting the labels on thesheet if the symbol matches a predefined pattern stored in a memoryassociated with the processor.